Don't think so. [ There are a few people who haven't pranked him mercilessly and some who have been genuinely pleasant, but friends feels presumptive. Whether it's an accurate assessment or just an insecure one, who knows. He makes it dryly, unfazed.

He glances at the chair when it's dragged over. If it's a cue to sit, he doesn't take it. Something about this setup feels very therapist's office — not that either of them are remotely qualified. Maybe a very bizarre job interview. ]

I was in space, you know. Before this. Living with bloody aliens. [ A pause as he glances over to Tony. ] Which I'm only saying because it should make all this less— this.

[ Weirdly self-conscious. Is it a humble-brag to talk about aliens and space in front of 2013 Tony Stark?? He needs to write up a timeline. That's the whole point of this visit, not solidarity or support — they need to get on the same page. From what he can tell so far, they're on completely different books. ]

Have you really been here five months?

[ The question comes with a switch in focus: real eye contact, finally. A hint of empathy in his voice, otherwise still flat and arguably formal. ]